Method and system for go fish 21 card game

ABSTRACT

A method and system for playing a casino style card game, referred to as “Go Fish 21,” in conjunction with standard rules for Blackjack, using a shoe of five or six standard decks of cards and a special set of 14 Go Fish playing cards. These 14 cards, which include standard cards valued 3-10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, along with 2 Jokers, are placed face down prior to play of the game. In conjunction with standard Blackjack play, prior to dealing any cards, the players optionally place a selection for play of Go Fish 21, including wager, to receive a special bonus card in the event that the participating player is dealt a “Blackjack” hand. Upon a “Blackjack” hand being dealt to a player selecting to play Go Fish 21, that player selects one of the remaining Go Fish cards. A payout is made based on the card.

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/237,682 filed Oct. 5, 2000. The entirety of thatprovisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a game, and in particular to acasino-style game played with at least one standard deck of cards and 14special cards, the game being played in accordance with the rules ofBlackjack.

[0004] 2. Background of the Technology

[0005] It is known in the art to provide card games, such as Blackjack,in a casino environment or consistent with casino style rules. In thesegames, the gaming establishment typically seeks to attract as manyparticipants to a game as possible to increase the money collected atthe gaming table. In addition, the number of games played during aspecified time, such as the number of hands per hour, is also animportant metric used to evaluate the return potential for a game. Thatis, the more hands that are played during a unit of time, the greaterthe money collected by the house and the corresponding profit realized.

[0006] There is a need for card games having improved play over standardBlackjack to attract and maintain customer participation. There is afurther need for such games that include features, such as additionalcard selection and drawing for bonus play, to maintain player interestand play after initial dealing of the hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a method and system for playinga casino style card game, referred to as “Go Fish 21,” which is playedin conjunction with standard rules for Blackjack, also known as “21,”using a shoe of five or six decks of cards and a set of special “GoFish” bonus cards. The game may be played, for example, on a gamingtable by players and a dealer using standard cards and special “Go Fish”bonus cards, or, for example, on a terminal, such as a computer or otherelectronic medium, using representations of various features of the gameon a display device using a graphical user interface (GUI). The terminalcan include, for example, a personal computer, minicomputer,microcomputer, or mainframe computer and a display device or coupling toa display device. The game is also playable in electronic form or inconjunction with electronic features over a network, such as theInternet or using other gaming devices, such as slot machines.

[0008] For play of Go Fish 21, in an embodiment of the presentinvention, a special set of 14 Go Fish playing cards or representationsthereof are used. These 14 cards, which include standard cards valued3-10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace, along with 2 Jokers, are shuffled andfanned face down prior to play of the game commencing. In conjunctionwith play of Blackjack, including standard rules for wagering duringplay (e.g., placing ante bets and wagers during the course of play), foreach hand, prior to dealing any cards, Go Fish 21 provides for theoptional placement of a selection, including wager, by each player toreceive a special bonus card in the event that the participating playeris dealt a “Blackjack” hand. Upon a “Blackjack” hand being dealt to aplayer selecting to play Go Fish 21, that player is prompted to selectone of the remaining Go Fish cards. This selection is made, for example,by placing a lammer, other marker, or other indication, such as byelectronic selection, at a location corresponding to or indicating thecard to be selected. The card selected is then revealed to the player,and a payout is made based on the card. In one variation, if a Joker isrevealed, a second card is selected by the player, and the bonus isincreased.

[0009] Additional advantages and novel features of the invention setforth in part in the description that follows, considered in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawing figures, will become more apparent tothose skilled in the art upon examination of the following or uponlearning by practice of the invention. It is to be understood, however,that the drawings are designed solely for the purposes of illustrationand not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] In the drawings:

[0011]FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a flow diagram of play of a game inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 presents a table layout in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention; and

[0013]FIG. 3 shows example card backs for the “Go Fish” cards for usewith an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The game in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention includes play essentially similar to standard five or six deckBlackjack dealt from a shoe. Other numbers of decks may also be used.One variance from standard Blackjack play is that when a player obtainsa “Blackjack” hand, that player has the opportunity to draw a card (suchas one of fourteen from a markedly different deck of cards that are kepttightly fanned on the table) for an additional or bonus payout.

[0015] For a player to be able to “go fish” after obtaining “Blackjack,”the player must place a dollar bet in the top left comer of the wagerspot before the hand is dealt. It is legal for no players, one player,two, three, or any number of players to buy “fishing rights” for any orall hands. The side wager is placed on a hand to hand basis.

[0016] When and if no player(s) receive a “Blackjack” hand, the dealer“locks up” the “go fish” wager for each player as the dealer gets tothat player's hand, prior to “hitting” the hand (e.g., dealing anadditional card). If the “go fish” player receives a “Blackjack” hand,the side wager is kept by the player. Next, play is quickly suspendedfor the player to place, for example, a lammer on the particularcorresponding number of the card position from which that player wishesto draw.

[0017] Placing a lammer on the number, in accordance with thisembodiment of the present invention, provides the quickest, leastdisruptive method to “go fish.” Without players reaching and touchingcards, the game continues at its pace. If a player places a lammer overnumber “5,” for example, the dealer picks the card that is positioned inthe fifth position from the players' far left. Obviously, if only 10cards remain, and the player places a lammer over position 13, thedealer must be astute enough to tell the player that there are only 10cards remaining. The dealer then exposes the drawn card to the wholetable and promptly pays the player the bonus won.

[0018] The “go fish” cards and their bonus payouts (based on an example$1 bet), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, areas follows:

[0019] Ace: $25

[0020] 10, J, Q, K: $20

[0021] 2 through 9: Double the card face value ($4 to $18)

[0022] Joker: The player selects another card and receives triple thedollar amount of the face value of the card. For example, the playerpicks the Joker; the player then picks an Ace; the player receives a $75bonus. In another example, the player picks the Joker; the player thenselects the “3”; the player receives an $18 bonus.

[0023] After a player uses a “go fish” card, that card is placed in aseparate “dead fish pile” or otherwise discarded. Each card is only usedonce per shoe. Once each card is used, it is effectively out of playuntil the commencement of the next shoe. This provides a nearly infiniteamount of playing options. For example, on the third hand, a “go fish”player receives a “Blackjack” hand, then draws a Joker and a “3.” ThatJoker—the triple bonus multiplier card—will not be used again until thenext shoe. This is what is referred to as “a tragic waste of a Joker.”Conversely, if there are but six “go fish” cards remaining, and theplayers know that a Joker and a ten remain, it will not be surprising tosee every player place the side wager and become more concerned aboutgetting a “Blackjack” than being concerned about the ubiquitous 15 and16 hands that are inherent to the game.

[0024] At the conclusion of each shoe, the fishing cards are washed andfanned, and the game begins again with a fresh deck of 14 “Go Fish”cards.

[0025] Play in Strange Scenarios and Infrequent Situations

[0026] If both the dealer and the “go fish” player have “Blackjack,” the“Go Fish” wager is pushed, and the player proceeds to “Go Fish.”

[0027] In the very unlikely possibility that the “Go Fish” player drawsthe last “Go Fish” card, and that card happens to be the Joker, thatplayer receives a $500 bonus.

[0028] If two players have placed “Go Fish” wagers, and both receive“Blackjack” hands, but only one “Go Fish” card remains to be drawn, bothplayers receive that payout. For example, a player at first basereceives a “Blackjack” hand, as does a player at third base (thirdposition at the table). The “Blackjacks” are simultaneous, althoughfirst base is first in order to draw the “Go Fish” card. The first baseplayer then draws the “King” as the last “Go Fish” card. Both the firstbase player and the third base player are paid a $20 bonus for the“King.”

[0029] If all 14 “Go Fish” cards are used during the shoe (highlyunlikely), it is up to the house whether the “Go Fish” cards are to bere-washed and the game to continue for the remainder of that shoe. Thehouse has the right to wait until the commencement of the shoe to washand fan the “Go Fish” cards.

[0030] Interesting Features of the Game

[0031] 1. Makes Blackjack more exciting for the players, dealers, andspectators.

[0032] 2. Encourages players to stick out a bad shoe for the possibilityof “going fishing.” Encourages players to play on a dead table, becausesuch tables provide more chances to “go fishing” and earn more bonusmoney.

[0033] 3. Does not require a separate table, such that poker gamevariations require. Can be played on a regular Blackjack table with veryslight table layout modifications. Takes up no additional space/moneyinvestment from casinos.

[0034] 4. Can be played in conjunction with standard Blackjack. “GoFish” changes no player's betting/playing strategies.

[0035] 5. Is very simple to deal, teach, and play.

[0036] 6. Is so simple, the game is no work to set up and monitor by thecasino or gaming commissions.

[0037] 7. Offers a new chance to play or not to play for the bonus oneach and every new hand.

[0038] 8. Is a unique, more interactive approach to Blackjack.

[0039] Example Probability Calculations for Blackjack and Go Fish 21 inAccordance With An Embodiment of the Present Invention

[0040] Example Probability Calculation for Blackjack

[0041] 1. Number of cards in 6 deck shoe: 6×52=312.

[0042] 2. Dealer cuts 1 deck short: 312−52=260.

[0043] 3. At approximately 3 cards/hand, the number of hands the dealerdeals per shoe is as follows: 260/3≅87.

[0044] 4. With 5 players at table, the number of player hands (with onedealer hand) is as follows: 5/6×87=73.

[0045] 5. At 2.5 cards per hand, the number of hands the dealer deals isas follows: 260/2.5=104.

[0046] 6. For 5 players@2.5 cards per hand, the number of player handsthe dealer deals is as follows: 5/6×104≅87.

[0047] 7. The probability of a “Blackjack” hand is as follows:

[0048] The probability of an ace is 1 in 13=7.7%;

[0049] The probability of a 10, J, Q, or K is 4 in 13≅30.8%;

[0050] The probability of a “Blackjack” hand is therefore as follows:7.7%×30.7%≅2.4%.

[0051] 8. For 5 players@2.5 cards per player, the expected number of“Blackjacks” per shoe is as follows: 87×2.4%=2.06.

[0052] 9. For 5 players@3 cards per player, the expected number of“Blackjacks” per shoe is as follows: 73×2.4%=1.73.

[0053] Example Probability Calculation for Go Fish 21

[0054] 1. The probability of receiving a Joker is as follows:2/14≅14.2%.

[0055] 2. The probability of receiving an Ace is as follows: 1/14≅7.1%.

[0056] 3. The probability of receiving a Joker followed by an Ace is asfollows: 2/14×1/13≅1%.

[0057] 4. The probability of receiving a 10, J, Q, or K is as follows:4/14≅28.6%.

[0058] 5. The probability of receiving a Joker followed by a 10, J, Q, Kis as follows: 2/14×4/13≅4.3%.

[0059] 6. The probability of receiving a 3 through 9 after alreadyreceiving a Joker is as follows: 7/13≅53.8%.

[0060] References will now be made in detail to embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

[0061]FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a flow diagram of play of a game inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.1A, play of the underlying Blackjack game begins (block 12) followingpreparation of a shoe containing five or six decks of standard playingcards and 14 Go Fish bonus cards (block 11). In accordance with standardBlackjack play, players initially place a Blackjack wager (block 12).Players are then provided with the option to place a Go Fish wager, soas to indicate a decision to participate in the Go Fish bonus portion ofthe game (block 14). For each player declining to participate in the GoFish portion, play proceeds as normal Blackjack (block 15).

[0062] For players electing to participate in the Go Fish portion ofplay, those players failing to receive a Blackjack hand lose their GoFish wagers (block 16). Those players receiving a Blackjack hand, pushtheir Go Fish wager, and the Go Fish portion proceeds (block 17). Underthe Go Fish portion of play, each player selects a Go Fish card, such asby placing a lammer adjacent to a number corresponding to a remaining GoFish card (block 20). If a player draws any card other than a Joker,that player receives a predetermined payoff for the drawn card (block21), and the dealer removes the selected Go Fish card, placing it out ofplay for the remainder of the shoe (block 22). Play then repeats,proceeding for each additional player and for the remainder of the shoe(block 30).

[0063] If the player receives the Joker as the selected Go Fish card(block 23), the player selects a second Go Fish card, such as by placingthe lammer adjacent to a number corresponding to another of theremaining Go Fish cards (block 24). The player is then paid thepredetermined payoff for the card with a multiplier applied, such as atriple bonus (block 25). The Joker and the additional Go Fish cards arethen placed out of play for the remainder of the shoe (block 26). Playthen repeats, proceeding for each additional player and for theremainder of the shoe (block 30).

[0064] Upon completion of the shoe, the dealer shuffles and fans out theGo Fish cards and prepares a new shoe for play (block 31). The entiresequence is then ready for repeat of play (block 32).

[0065]FIG. 2 presents a table layout in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0066]FIG. 3 shows example card backs for the “Go Fish” cards for usewith an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed outfundamental novel features of the invention as applied to embodimentsthereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions,and changes in the form and the details of the disclosed invention maybe made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for a plurality of players and a dealerto play a bonus game in conjunction with a card game, the card gamebeing played in conformance with standard rules of Blackjack, the cardgame being played with a shoe of standard playing cards and the bonusgame being played with a plurality of bonus game cards, the methodcomprising: providing each of the plurality of players with an option toplay the bonus game; receiving from each of the plurality of players aselection regarding participation in the bonus game, the selectionincluding a choice from each of the plurality of players from a groupconsisting of placing a bonus game wager to participate in the bonusgame and declining to place the bonus game wager to declineparticipation in the bonus game; providing each of the plurality ofplayers with a first card and a second card from the shoe of cards;determining whether each of the plurality of players has a Blackjackhand; for each of the plurality of players having a Blackjack hand andfrom which the selection to participate in the bonus game is received:receiving a selection of one from the plurality of bonus game cards;revealing the one from the plurality of bonus game cards; anddetermining a bonus corresponding to the one from the plurality of bonusgame cards.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the shoe of standardplaying cards includes five decks of cards.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the shoe of standard playing cards includes six decks of cards.4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an ante fromeach of the plurality of players prior to providing each of theplurality of players with a first card and a second card from the shoeof cards.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving atleast one Blackjack wager from each of the plurality of players.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: pushing the bonus game wager foreach of the plurality of players having a Blackjack hand and from whichthe selection to participate in the bonus game is received.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: the dealer taking the bonus gamewager for each of the plurality of players having a hand other than aBlackjack hand, and from which the selection to participate in the bonusgame is received.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving aselection of one from the plurality of bonus game cards furthercomprises: placing a lammer in a location corresponding to the one fromthe plurality of bonus game cards.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining a bonus corresponding to the one from the plurality of bonusgame cards comprises: consulting a pay table.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein the plurality of bonus game cards includes at least one Joker,and wherein, if the one from the plurality of bonus game cards is one ofthe at least one Joker, the method further comprising: receiving asecond selection of one from the plurality of bonus game cards.
 11. Agaming table for a plurality of players and a dealer to play a bonusgame in conjunction with a card game, the card game being played inconformance with standard rules of Blackjack, the card game being playedwith a shoe of standard playing cards and the bonus game being playedwith a plurality of bonus game cards, the gaming table comprising: atable surface; at least one player location indicated on the tablesurface, each of the at least one player location including a pluralityof bonus card designation locations, each of the plurality of bonus carddesignation locations corresponding to one from the plurality of bonusgame cards; a dealer location indicated on the table surface; a bonuscard placement location indicated on the table surface; wherein each ofthe plurality of players is provided with an option to play the bonusgame; wherein a selection is received from each of the plurality ofplayers regarding participation in the bonus game, the selectionincluding a choice from each of the plurality of players from a groupconsisting of placing a bonus game wager to participate in the bonusgame and declining to place the bonus game wager to declineparticipation in the bonus game; wherein each of the plurality ofplayers is provided with a first card and a second card from the shoe ofcards; wherein a determination is made whether each of the plurality ofplayers has a Blackjack hand; wherein, for each of the plurality ofplayers having a Blackjack hand and from which the selection toparticipate in the bonus game is received: a selection is received ofone from the plurality of bonus game cards; the one from the pluralityof bonus game cards is revealed; and a bonus corresponding to the onefrom the plurality of bonus game cards is determined.
 12. A device aplayer to play a bonus game in conjunction with a card game, the cardgame being played in conformance with standard rules of Blackjack, thecard game being played with representations of standard playing cardsand the bonus game being played with representations of a plurality ofbonus game cards, the device comprising: a display for displaying thecard game, including the representations of the standard playing cards;and a processor for receiving selections from the player for play of thegame, for determining progress of play, and for processing anddisplaying a graphical user interface; wherein the player is providedwith an option to play the bonus game; wherein a selection is receivedfrom the player regarding participation in the bonus game, the selectionincluding a choice from a group consisting of placing a bonus game wagerto participate in the bonus game and declining to place the bonus gamewager to decline participation in the bonus game; wherein the player isprovided with representations of a first standard playing card and asecond standard playing card; wherein the processor determines whetherthe player has a Blackjack hand; wherein, if the player has a Blackjackhand and selected selection to participate in the bonus game: aselection is received of one from the plurality of bonus game cards; theone from the plurality of bonus game cards is revealed; and a bonuscorresponding to the one from the plurality of bonus game cards isdetermined by the processor.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein thedevice comprises a terminal, the terminal including the processor. 14.The device of claim 13, wherein the terminal is selected from a groupconsisting of a personal computer, a minicomputer, a microcomputer, anda mainframe computer.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the terminalis coupled to the display.
 16. The device of claim 13, wherein theterminal includes the display.
 17. The device of claim 12, wherein thedevice comprises a computer screen, and wherein the computer screenincludes the display.
 18. The device of claim 12, wherein the device isa slot machine.